Santa Maria’s resident fun generator is People for Leisure And Youth, known more colloquially as PLAY Inc. Created in 1997, the group organized for the primary purpose of funding recreational programs in Santa Maria Valley’s parks.
Now, PLAY and the city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department are behind what’s sure to be a summer staple for many local families. Movies in the Park is set to be a laid-back, family-oriented series that will feature a variety of popular films. The organizers and other sponsors are enthusiastic about these upcoming events.
A new series to Santa Maria, Movies in the Park will feature hit films in different parks that many people enjoy by day—though now, they’ll be able to appreciate their favorite park at night while watching a favorite flick along with other members of the community.
To get this project rolling, its creators first conducted a leisure assessment plan to evaluate what kind of events locals wanted to see. The results showed that many residents wanted events that were similar to Concerts in the Park; outdoor movies have proven to be successful in other cities around the country.
The event boasts a movie screen that stretches 15 feet across and 9 feet high, providing unobstructed viewing for everyone in the audience. In the great outdoors, onlookers might just feel like they’re a part of the action.
The initial movie that showed was Captain America: The First Avenger on May 17. With only minimal advertising on the PLAY Facebook page, the event still drew a crowd of roughly 100 people. Now that the word is getting out, this event will keep getting bigger, explained Dennis Smitherman, recreation supervisor for the Recreation and Parks Department and PLAY Inc. organizer.
“It went really well,” he said of the “glitch-free” May 17 viewing.
The next movie in the lineup, Mamma Mia, could provide the opportunity for a sing-along for local ABBA fans. In this PG-13 film, a soon-to-be bride uncovers the fact that there are three men who could possibly be her father. As her wedding day fast approaches, it becomes increasingly imperative to her that she determine the identity of her dad so that he can walk her down the aisle. This picture offers bright Greek backdrops and catchy tunes. This screening will be at Preisker Park.
A month later, Field of Dreams will light up the big screen at Edwards Baseball Field, providing a treat for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Even kids can enjoy the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, a man who feels divinely compelled to build a baseball field on his acreage. The inexplicable events that follow lead him to reach out to an author in hopes of interpreting what he’s meant to do with his field.
Next, The Wizard of Oz will transport viewers to a magical time and place without their having to leave Grogan Park. This nostalgic film is an American classic, created in 1939, and based on stories by L. Frank Baum. A girl named Dorothy and her canine companion, Toto, are swept up by a tornado and find themselves in the land of Oz. Once there, they embark on a journey unlike any other.
The following month, The Muppets will provide song and dance for moviegoers at the second-to-last event in the summer-long series. In this film, three Muppets fans are saddened by a tour of the crumbling ruin that was once the famed Muppet Studios. After getting the old Muppet gang back together, it’s up to them to save the building before evil villain Tex Richman drills beneath it for oil.
The final film showing, Hotel Transylvania, is an animated flick that revolves around a luxury “five stake” resort designed by Dracula. He builds it to provide a safe place to raise his daughter, Mavis, in the year 1895. In present day, it’s a popular haunt for monsters and their families to visit for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, a 118th birthday celebration for Dracula’s teenage daughter goes awry when a human boy stumbles upon the castle and falls for her.
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and since no movie is complete without snacks, a concessions stand offering popcorn and other treats will be available.
Intern Emma Fuhs gives this outdoor movie series five stars. Contact her through Arts Editor Joe Payne at [email protected].
